Review – Hedley – Wild Life

By: Jenna Melanson, Amanda Hather, Emily Thomson, Jeanette Thibodeau & Jordyn Meade-Baxter

Album: Wild Life
iTunes Link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wild-life-deluxe-version/id724021375
Release Date: November 11, 2013
Genre: Pop/ Rock
Label: Universal Music Canada

Hedley released their fifth studio album, Wild Life yesterday and the response so far has been amazing. Myself and two of the other Canadian Beats writers, Amanda, Jeanette & Emily decided to each do up a mini review.

Emily Thomson’s Mini Review:

“This album wasn’t at all what I expected. They never fail to impress me. This album shows they aren’t afraid to take risks and change their sound. I personally love the new sound! My favorites so far off the album are Wild Life and Parade Rain. I can’t wait to see WildLive now!”

Amanda Hather’s Mini Review:

“Hedley’s newest album, ‘Wild Life’, is definitely different from their previous albums. It combines a lot more electronic elements and beats more suitable for dance songs rather than their older punk style of music. The way that they have grown as a band is evident in this album. Although it is very different from their older music, this album is one of my new favourites. Some songs give off the vibe of just letting loose and having a good time, while others make you feel the emotions that were the inspiration behind the music. All in all, it is an excellent fifth album from the boys of Hedley and I can’t wait to see it played live on their Wild Live tour.”

Jenna Melanson’s Mini Review:

“I have said it before, and I will say it again, this band has always amazed me with each album that they release. Each one sounds different from the last, whether it’s a slight change, or extreme. Hedley is constantly growing as musicians and not afraid to experiment with new sounds and tecnniques. This album is no exception. That being said,with the mixture of songs on the album, there is still something for everyone. From songs like “Anything” and “Got Love” which are more upbeat and catchy dance songs, to songs like “Heaven In Our Headlights” and “Parade Rain” which seems to have a deeper meaning and more emotions involved. I’d highly recommend the album to anyone, Hedley fan or not, it may just surprise you!”

Jeanette Thibodeau’s Mini Review:

“Through the years, Hedley changed their style but still made me fall in love with their music. Wild life, which is really different from the previous albums, brings forth a totally different vibe. At first, I wasn’t sure about the new elements in the songs, but after a few times, I really started to appreciate it and I can tell you that it’s a great album and probably one of my favourites. Each song is great on their own, but combined together it makes a perfect way to clear up your mind. My top 3 : Wild Life, Heaven in our headlights and headphones!”

Jordyn Meade-Baxter’s Mini Review:

“Whether it was their first album to their newest, Hedley never ceases to impress me. Wild Life is a big step up from Storms in my opinion, but in a good way. They are growing as a band and while writing this review it was evident when my phone went from playing “Johnny Falls” to “Beautiful Girl”. This bad has been one of my favourites and this album solidifies why. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical after hearing “Anything”; it’s a great song but it had to grow on me and I was scared that Wild Life would have to do the same. I’ve been hooked on Wild Life since I bought it and I can’t wait until March to see them bring this album to life. Top songs: “Headphones”, “Mexico” and “Top of the World””